MONSOON TREKKING – TOO WET TO TREK?

Monsoon trekking can be a beautiful, haunting experience that offers a glimpse into how trekking in Nepal used to be. For pictures of monsoon trekking see our EVEREST MONSOON GALLERY and our ANNAPURNA MONSOON GALLERY

The monsoon in Nepal lasts from June to early September and its severity varies from year to year.

Why consider trekking in the monsoon?

• quiet trails - see the visitor statistics for the Everest National Park 1999
  
  

  January February March April May June July August September October November December

  594 781 2255 3440 1408 115 153 315 1521 7263 4533 2183

  
  
• Himalayan wildflowers
• Fields of green, white and brilliant pink buckwheat
• Mountain scenery high above the clouds that cover the valleys below
• Spectacular waterfalls
• Witness traditional culture and festivals that are little changed by tourism – in the Everest region join the DUMJE FESTIVAL at Khumjung
• International flights are a lot cheaper

What will the weather be like?
The effects of the monsoon vary according to the region you wish to visit. Precipitation is least in the rainshadow area of the Kali Gandaki Valley and the summer is a good time to trek the KALI GANDAKI EXPLORER and visit THE HIDDEN KINGDOM OF MUSTANG. It is also possible to complete the ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT and experience the tremendous transition as you cross the Thorung La into the rainshadow of the Kali Gandaki Valley. For an account of a monsoon crossing of the Annapurna Circuit visit our Travellers Tales.

Average monsoon precipitation at Jomsom :
June 17mm
July 41mm
Aug 54mm
Temperatures are a high of 25C and a low of 12C.

In the Everest area it is possible to trek above the monsoon and see the high mountains bathed in fresh snow. However, mountain views are less frequent than at other times of the year and trekking to see Everest should not be the main goal of a monsoon trekker.

Average monsoon precipitation at Tengboche:
June 95mm
July 280mm
Aug 265mm

The majority of precipitation falls in the evening whilst early mornings are often clear with spectacular views. Cloud and mist can roll into the mountains from the plains below and obscure the view with remarkable swiftness.

Annual climate statistics for Kathmandu

Essential equipment in addition to the normal trekkers kit is an umbrella and rainpants.
Special consideration should be given to the effects of the weather on plane and bus schedules. Delays are not uncommon and anyone trekking in the Everest region should allow for possible delays in flights to and from Lukla. 

A monsoon trek in Nepal is possible and can be very enjoyable. Choose your area carefully and contact sales@goldenhilltravel.co.uk  to discuss the possibilities.